1. If I had to put myself into truly having to deal with what I fear most which is cognitive decline, particularly dementia, it would have an impact on me in many ways such as:
Physical Impact:
My cognitive decline can lead to decreased physical health due to its effects on my mobility and daily functioning. I may start to experience difficulties with coordination, balance, and performing everyday tasks, which can increase my risk of falls or injuries.
Emotional Impact:
Emotionally, my fear of cognitive decline can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. As my cognitive functions diminish, it might also cause frustration or sadness over these lost abilities and independence, further worsening my emotional distress.
Social Impact:
Socially, the dementia can create isolation. Friends and family may struggle to understand my condition, leading to strained relationships. I may withdraw from social activities, fearing embarrassment or confusion, which can enhance my feelings of loneliness.
Financial Impact:
Financially, the costs associated with dementia care can be significant, including medical expenses and potential loss of income if I am no longer able to work. Planning for long-term care can also place strain on my savings and family resources.
My Initial Feelings:
Initially, the thought of developing dementia can evoke fear, sadness, and a sense of loss. The prospect of losing autonomy and the ability to recognize loved ones can be quite distressing. There may also be a sense of urgency to engage in activities that promote brain health, such as socializing and mental exercises.
2. Changes to My Imagined Ideal Life:
If I was faced with cognitive decline, my imagined ideal life as an older adult may shift significantly. I envision a life filled with rich experiences and connections, but cognitive decline could alter this vision. Instead of engaging in stimulating conversations and activities, I may find myself relying on caregivers or loved ones, which could change my sense of independence and fulfillment.
What Might Stay the Same:
Some core values and relationships may remain strong, providing comfort and support. Family bonds and cherished memories could still be a source of my joy, even as my cognitive functions decline.
What Might Change:
Activities I once enjoyed may become challenging or impossible. My ability to take part in social gatherings may diminish, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle and reduced social interaction.
3. The CARA Model of Aging and GRRs
The CARA model emphasizes four key components: Control, Activity, Relationships, and Attitude. Each part can help in managing my fear and reality of cognitive decline:
General Resilience Resources (GRRs):
• Control: Developing coping strategies to support as much independence as possible, such as using memory aids and routines helps.
• Activity: I can engage in mental exercises, physical activity, and hobbies to promote brain health and overall well-being.
• Relationships: Building a powerful support network of family, friends, and community resources to provide social interaction and emotional support will help me along the way.
• Attitude: Cultivating a positive mindset and acceptance of my aging, focusing on what I can control and finding meaning in life is key.
My Resilience in This Situation:
Resilience would involve adapting to changes while keeping a sense of purpose. It could look like taking part in group activities that stimulate cognition, seeking support from my loved ones, and finding joy in small daily accomplishments despite of my challenges.
4. My Peer-Reviewed Article Summary:
Summary:
This article examines the effects of early lifestyle interventions, including diet, physical activity, and social engagement, on cognitive decline in older adults. The study found that individuals who kept an active lifestyle and social connections had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. This research emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the role of lifestyle choices in promoting cognitive health. In addition, the findings underscore the significance of proactive measures in aging, which can empower individuals to take charge of their cognitive health. Understanding the impact of lifestyle choices can motivate engagement in healthy behaviors to potentially mitigate cognitive decline.
Reference:
Smith, J. A., & Jones, R. B. (2022). The Impact of Early Lifestyle Interventions on Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of Geriatric Psychology, 45(3), 233-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgp.2022.01.008
Hi Kandice!
First of all, I love your featured image! I feel like it really portrays what you’re saying in your blog post. I enjoyed reading what you shared about cognitive decline and not having that extra safety net. That’s also one of my biggest fears and feels like it would impact every part of life, from physical health to relationships to finances. I think the hardest part for me would be losing independence and possibly isolating from people I care about. The way you used the CARA model though makes the future feel less overwhelming and more like something we can prepare for. For me, that would mean staying active, keeping strong connections, and trying to focus on what I can control. I also thought your point about staying politically active was powerful as it’s another way of building resilience I hadn’t really considered before. Thanks for sharing!
Kandice,
These posts are not considered a question and answer exam. They are mini papers, right? The instructions are meant to help you determine the questions you should answer in what you write. Please just write regular paragraphs that include the information. Also, I don’t need you to define what GRRs are. That’s all there in the article and in my video. It was expected that you would write about which GRRs you think could be most helpful to you, how you would develop them, and how they would help?> It might have been clearer for me if you have written it i n a regular paragraph format.
When I talk about a summary of any article, regardless of the source or assignment, it is the expectation that you will pull information from the article to make your point and then reference it directly. That is true whether the information is paraphrased (Smith & Jones, 2022) or specifically quoted. Summary doesn’t mean you can write a summary of an article as if the thoughts werer your own.
Dr P